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Jeevika Samriddhi initiative has elevated the lives of over 400 farming households in its initial phases in Jharsuguda district of Odisha. The initiative, by Vedanta Aluminium, is in its third phase and aims at empowering an additional 500 farming households in the villages of Parmanpur, Kumudapali, and Dalki in the district.
According to Manbodh Pradhan from Parmanpur village, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)” method of paddy cultivation helped him reduce input costs and increase productivity. “Now I’m harvesting 51 quintals of paddy from 2 acres,” he said.
Jharsuguda district’s Assistant Director of Horticulture Manoranjan Nanda, who has been closely associated with this project, said that the initiative is positively impacting a large number of farming households by introducing them to advanced agricultural practices as well as to the best practices in land and water management.
“I’m hopeful that the third phase will transform the agricultural landscape in Jharsuguda,” Nanda said.
From pond restoration and solar pumps ensuring reliable irrigation to modern micro-irrigation methods optimizing water usage, the project familiarizes farmers with using advanced techniques like the “System of Rice Intensification (SRI)” and the “WADI’ model to revitalize barren lands, boosting crop yields sustainably.
The farmers, who are part of the Jeevika Samriddhi Project, are engaged in cultivation around the year due to improved irrigation facilities which have reduced dependency on rains.
In its third phase, the implementation of solar-powered irrigation facilities supports farmers in cultivating a variety of hybrid vegetables, including leafy greens. The SRI method (System of Rice Intensification) of paddy cultivation and the adoption of cash crops have increased the average crop productivity and enhanced the monthly income of farmers, contributing to a 50 per cent increment in monthly income for 77 per cent of farmers associated with the project.
Furthermore, the project supports agri-allied activities such as pisciculture, offering farmers additional avenues for income generation. By integrating fish farming with traditional agriculture, farmers can maximize land utilization while tapping into new markets and revenue streams.
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